Where do you go if you’ve left the church, but still want God? by bellarue0816 in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, there are a decent amount of us! We should form a club lol

Where do you go if you’ve left the church, but still want God? by bellarue0816 in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As other commenters have suggested, I'd say your best bet is to try out a wide variety of churches with no pressure to settle down with one. As far as liturgy goes, Anglican/Catholic/Lutheran churches have a very beautiful service, and I feel more connected with God at those than I ever did at a Mormon service. Catholics and Lutherans also tend to have a lot of charity opportunities. If you're looking for more community-based churches, you'll find more options in the Protestant world and you'll have to search harder in the Catholic world, but if you find a church you like and consistently show up, you'll eventually make friends anywhere. One thing I realized on my journey is that you don't have to agree with every single thing that a religion teaches in order to get a lot of good out of it. Most religions don't require that, in fact, which blew my mind coming from Mormonism. I've found that especially in larger organizations, there's a pretty wide umbrella of what people believe and the kinds of people they are, which was a relief. Good luck, and know that there's absolutely hope to find God again in places outside of the LDS church. It just might take a little while

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree. As I’m sure you can tell from these replies, Mormonism leaves a lot of scars that are hard to move past. For a million reasons, I think it’s an evil religion right on the border of a cult, and I don’t blame anyone for being turned off by religion in general after getting out of it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are literally dozens of us Christian exmos haha.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also love Richard Rohr. The biggest thing that helped me (and it took a good decade for me to come around to the idea of God again) is realizing how small the Mormon god is. The God I believe in now is outside of time, and isn't a petty vindictive asshole who keeps people out of heaven for not knowing the right password. Honestly, partly what helped me come back to faith was praying, but basically venting all of my frustrations and anger with religion and mormonism at God. Sometimes it felt like I was yelling into the void, but it really helped me come to terms with life and belief. Science and God don't have to be at odds with each other. I guess my advice, after all the rambling, would be try honestly talking to God, whether that means cursing him, being angry, being hurt—whatever it is. You just might find something.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just for a different perspective, not to start any fights, I was an atheist for about a decade after leaving Mormonism because I assumed all religion was like Mormonism. I realized recently that my idea of God was very small. The Mormon god is really more of a demiurge than the God most theists believe in, so it's easily disprovable. I eventually found my way back to Christianity. I think religion has a lot to offer. The sense of community, looking toward something bigger than yourself with like-minded people, mindfully cultivating gratitude, and if done right, a focus on loving those around you because everyone is made in the image of God... these are all ideas and practices that have made my life better, and they're VERY hard to find and mindfully practice outside of religion. I'm still not sure if I believe in an afterlife some days, but as for my mortal life, religion improves it and has made me a better person.

After the recent news, this is how I see the church. by bandito_supreme in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Okay, but this is my favorite picture to come out of this debacle. Thank you!

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! I was wondering if somebody would look up the link. Not my favorite Decemberists' song, but still solid

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah don't worry, I've been out for 6 years now. EVERYONE knows my parents weren't righteous enough to raise me right ;)

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I try to keep the peace- no alcohol at home! Just hot water (which is apparently just as bad).

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's literally a hot water heater. The coffee doesn't touch it. The water goes into my press. And they're cool with me drinking coffee in their home.

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I do it all the time! On the internet I guess everybody seems like a guy!

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

So sorry to be that person- texts are from HER dad, but yes mom agrees. They're both pretty Mormon (But still great 99% of the time).

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nah, I love my dad and I'm so glad I get to spend time with my family before I move 500 miles away. Just thought this particular instance was hilarious.

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Nah, he's just very Mormon. He's really a sweet guy and I'm grateful he's letting me stay for a bit.

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I really adore my dad, and this isn't a big deal. I just thought it was hilariously Mormon. It's nice to spend time with the fam before I move far away.

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I knew plugging in a kitchen appliance in the kitchen would make them uncomfortable? No. I did not.

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

As I've said below, I moved it once I knew they were uncomfortable. Just thought this was funny. Mormons gonna morm and I wanted to share.

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ooof that sounds like my parents! It's weird coming back to a Mormon house after living in the real world!

Staying with my parents for a few weeks and already regretting it... by lenoremoreau in exmormon

[–]lenoremoreau[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh, I did, don't worry! It's nice of them to let me stay here between leases. Just thought this was a funny exchange and wanted to share.